Dickinson survives Scotland scare

Scotland suffered an injury scare on the third day of their tour of Argentina when prop Alasdair Dickinson had to leave training after suffering a strong blow to his knee.

The 24-year-old Gloucester man began the training session at GEBA club alongside the rest of the 30-man squad, but he could not finish it after the knee knock.

However, he was later cleared by team doctor James Robson and will be available to play if needed against the Pumas in Saturday's Test match at Gigante de Arroyito Stadium in Rosario.

The second Test match will be played a week later in Buenos Aires.

After two days of recovery and physical work, boss Frank Hadden took the opportunity to assess his options for the starting XV. He will announce his team tomorrow before the squad travel to Santa Fe province.

Gloucester man Chris Paterson believes the two Tests could be a fresh beginning ahead of the next World Cup after a disappointing RBS 6 Nations campaign.

"They are two very important games for us. Scotland is under a lot of pressure as we had a poor Six Nations. This is a start point ahead OF the next World Cup," said.

Paterson, who is one cap behind Scott Murray's national record, feels his experience could be a useful aid for the younger players.

"It is a responsibility to be one of the most experienced members (of the squad), but a good one. However, I think I have a lot to learn yet and I hope to learn valuable things in these two weeks.

"I talked with the youngest players about this. I think it could be useful for them to hear some advice. But, most of the time they are the wise ones," Paterson added.

The 30-year-old full-back is aware of Argentina's main tools after facing them twice, in 2005 at Murrayfield and in the last World Cup.

"We should play better than in France. Then, Argentina did a great job, with a lot of confidence. I was really happy for the Pumas reaching the semi-final, but sad at the same time because unfortunately they eliminated us on the way," Paterson said.

"There is a lot of work to do and I am confident in improving our performances here. We have to play very well. Argentina are third in the world and a very tough rival.

"To win we have keep the ball, retain possession and be very very patient. The Pumas have a very strong defence and played a very quick game so it will be counterproductive to let them show their skills in front of their fans."

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.